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Frank Tolles Chamberlin (1873-1961)
Untitled
Date unknown
Oil on board
7” H x 10” W (image size)
13.75” H x 17.25” W (frame size)
Signed lower right: FTC (monogram)
Estimated value: $600 - $800
Artist Biography
Frank Chamberlin was a painter, muralist, and sculptor known for his Southern California landscapes and murals.
Born in San Francisco in 1873, Chamberlin moved with his family to Vermont at age six. He began his art training at twelve under Dwight Tryon in Hartford, Connecticut, and later studied at the Art Students League in New York City under George de Forest Brush and George Bridgman. In 1908, he won a mural competition that awarded him a four-year scholarship to the American Academy in Rome.
After returning to New York, Chamberlin taught at the Beaux Arts Institute of Design and the School of Architecture at Columbia University. During this time, he married fellow artist Katherine Beecher Stetson. In 1919, the couple relocated to Pasadena, California, where he went on to teach at the Chouinard and Otis Art Institutes (1921–1930) and at the University of Southern California.
Chamberlin was equally skilled in oil and watercolor. While best known for his murals and serene California landscapes, he also painted figures and still lifes. His sculptural work included busts of children and architectural commissions. His paintings reflect a classical, low-key style grounded in strong academic training.
A dedicated and influential teacher, Chamberlin mentored many notable California artists. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was a member of the Artists of the Southwest and the California Art Club. He passed away in Pasadena in 1961.
Auction Information
The 15th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser
Saturday, August 16, 2025
The silent auction starts at 3:00 PM.
The live auction starts at 4:00 PM.
Auction admission: $15.00 SPAM members, $20.00 Non-members
All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization #2478728.
All major credit cards, check, and cash are accepted.
Sales tax will be applied to all hammer prices. There is no buyer’s premium.